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Queen’s Baton Relay Forms Chain Of Boundless Generosity

February 1, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

The past week has been a celebration of the Parkes Shire community and its outstanding, kind and generous members at the Australia Day celebrations on Friday and the Queen’s Baton Relay (QBR) on Monday.

“Each of these people have made positive contributions to our community. Whether it be inspiring others through their personal achievements, generously dedicating time to a community group, organisation, event or project, or going above the ordinary in a specific field – they exemplify what makes the Parkes Shire a wonderful place to live, work and visit,” said Mayor Ken Keith at Australia Day of all the nominees.

There are 19 equally inspiring stories for each of the batonbearers who were celebrated as they carried the baton around the streets of Parkes lined with supporters and onlookers. “We are very proud of our batonbearers,” said Deputy Mayor Barbara Newton. “It blew my mind to hold this piece of engineering,” said Olympian Scott Westcott
of the baton that is the focus point of the longest and most accessible relay in history, travelling through the entire Commonwealth for 388 days and 230,000km.

The Queen’s Baton arrives on the Gold Coast for the XXI Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony on 4th April, where HRH The Prince of Wales will remove Her Majesty’s message from the baton and read it aloud to declare the Games open. The Australia Day Awards went to: Citizen of the Year – Warwick Tom; Young Citizen of the Year – Yasmin Potts; Marie Bashir Academic Award – Janie Green; Cultural Award (Adult) – Scott “Sauce” Towney; Cultural Award (Student) – Gracey Denham Jones; Cultural Award (Group) – Parkes Action Club, St Elmo Shearing Shed Art Show “Ducks on the Pond”; Cultural Award (Group) Highly Commended – Sean James Cassidy, Scott “Sauce” Towney, Scott Turnbull – Sculpture in the Rotary Arboretum. (To see full coverage of both events, go to our Facebook page.)

Snippets…

February 1, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

A space man came travelling… all the way to Parkes! The kite flying event on Australia Day last Friday was a huge success with the most important visitor for the day, the wind, arriving right on time!

Reuse, Recycle, Upcycle: Sims Metal Waste To Art & Design is a community art exhibition and competition showcasing works made from reused and recyclable waste materials. Organised and hosted by Parkes Library,
schools, community groups and individuals are invited to create a new life for materials that would have been thrown away. Entry is free and closes on 28th March at 5pm. The exhibition will run from 4 to 27th April, and the winners will be announced on 12th April at 6pm. There are three competition categories: two-dimensional; three-dimensional and functional with cash prizes in each section/category. This year is the Year of Polystyrene. Artworks
do not have to use the theme waste, but an additional prize will be given to an artwork featuring this material.
Entry forms are available at any Parkes Shire Library, from the website www.parkes.nsw.gov.au or email parkes.library@parkes.nsw.gov.au.

World Wetlands Day Today: This year’s theme is Wetlands for a sustainable urban future. “Thanks to the PAC Park rejuvenation project, we are able to celebrate our own urban wetland,” said Parkes Shire Council’s Environment and Sustainability Coordinator Michael Chambers. PAC Park, a multi-award winning wetland system, is exceptional as it is an artificial wetland that transformed a degraded urban stormwater channel into a vibrant ecosystem. The wetland is now home to turtles, numerous frog species and yabbies. It’s also a great spot for bird watching; native ducks, kingfishers, reed warblers, herons, and ibises can be found there. Much of the restoration work was undertaken by volunteers who planted some 6,000 seedlings. Upgrades including new shelters, tables, a barbeque and additional lighting is expected to be completed later this year.

Day On The Green: The Railway Bowling Club in Parkes is holding a special fundraiser for Currajong Disability Services (CDS) tomorrow. The day will showcase the best musicians in Parkes including Twiggy and Jordan Dwyer, Chris Orr, Birdie and Georgie Sideris as well as Tommy and Holly Orr. Donations and support have been pouring in from Fitness4All, Andrew Kraft, Discount Daves, D’Quinos, 141 Boutique, Rockmans, Cooke Park Takeaway, Railway Bowling Club, and Ivy Lane Giftware and Flowers. “We couldn’t ask for anymore from the Parkes community,” said organiser Lilian Thomson. The event also includes a barbeque, raffles and lucky door prizes. Gold coin donations upon arrival. Children welcome between 4 to 8pm. Bring a blanket!

Mayoral Notes…

February 1, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

What a week we’ve had! On Monday we welcomed the Queen’s Baton Relay to Parkes on its way to the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast. I was delighted to be one of 19 locals to carry the baton through town. Thank you to all the residents and visitors who came out and lined the streets to cheer on the batonbearers.

The baton made a special visit to The Dish for a hayride at sunrise on Tuesday before departing for Orange. The relay will finish its international journey on 4 April at the Opening Ceremony. Parkes Shire Library is calling for the community to think outside the square for this year’s Waste to Art competition. Entries are now open, with three categories for residents to get creative. Entry is free and closes just before Easter on 28th March at 5pm. Download an entry form from www.parkes.nsw.gov.au.

Today, Parkes will join the rest of the global community in commemorating World Wetlands Day. This year’s theme is ‘wetlands for a sustainable urban future’, and aims to highlight how urban wetlands improve liveability; not only for recreational enjoyment, but also for the role wetlands play in the environment. Following the rejuvenation of PAC Park last year, residents and visitors can celebrate the day visiting our own urban wetland.

A reminder to motorists that the 40km/h school speed zones are back in force between 8 – 9.30am and 2.30 – 4pm on school days – keep an eye out for the flashing lights.

Yours Faithfully,
Cr Ken Keith OAM
Mayor of Parkes Shire

Plan B Comp Popular

February 1, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

Twelve pubs and clubs in Parkes took part in the ‘Plan B – Win a Swag’ promotion during December run by the RMS and Parkes Shire Council. Patrons simply had to write down their alternate way to get home rather than driving
to win a swag valued at $250. The swag winners were Nicole Stevenson – Star Hotel; Steve Davis – Broadway
Hotel; Jocelyn Cannard – Royal Hotel; Kyle Branscombe – Coachman Hotel/Motel; Al Grady – Commerical Hotel; Brenton Hartin – Railway Hotel; Phil Barnard – Parkes Hotel; Mick Wilson – Parkes Leagues Club; Amanda Cheney – Parkes Services Club; Terry O’Keeffe – Parkes Bowling and Sports Club; Vince Kelly – Parkes Golf Club and Kaleb Cross – Parkes Railway Bowling Club.

Good News For Local Farmers

February 1, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

An application to declare the severe storm at Back Yamma and Cookamidgera late last year as a natural disaster have been approved. Central West Lachlan Landcare submitted an Agricultural Natural Disaster Assessment application following hail incidents and flash flooding that saw many crops and infrastructure significantly impacted in November 2017 when they were on the verge of, or had commenced harvest.

The approval means landholders impacted by the event can access disaster relief loans and transport freight subsidies. Marg Applebee, Coordinator for Central West Lachlan Landcare said the Back Yamma and Cookamidgera areas had some of the most fertile soils in the Parkes and Forbes Shire areas. “This funding will enable primary producers, some of whom suffered significant crop losses and other infrastructure losses, to address immediate concerns and enable preparation for this year’s sowing season.”

Last week member for Orange Philip Donato met with affected landholders, Cr Neil Westcott and Cr Steven Karaitiana from Parkes and Forbes Shire Councils respectively, Alli Gartrell from the Rural Assistance Authority, President of Parkes and Forbes NSW Farmers, Gavin Tom and Marg Applebee to share the good news of the declaration.

For landholders seeking further details, information may be accessed through the Rural Assistance Authority website at www.raa.nsw.gov.au and are encouraged to contact Marg Applebee on 6862 4914 if assistance is required with applications submissions.

Another OAM In Parkes

February 1, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

Parkes’ cricket stalwart Greg Morrissey has received an OAM (Medal of the Order of Australia) in recognition of his years of service to cricket and the Parkes community on Australia Day last week. Greg was honoured locally in July 2016 when the Greg Morrissey Field at McGlynn Park was officially named after him.

Some of his achievements and involvement with cricket include: Australian Sports Medal in 2000 for contributions to cricket and school sport, Lloyd Westcott Award 1995/96 for outstanding services to cricket, Duncan MacDonald Shield for services to cricket in 2010/11, Western Zone Volunteer of Year 2006 at Cricket NSW Steve Waugh Medal evening in Sydney, Western Zone Cricket Volunteer of Year Award 2010, level one accreditation in 1988, level two accreditation in 1990, passed cricket umpires examination to become a member of NSW Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association in 1993, life membership of Western PSSA in 1999 and life member of Lachlan PSSA in 2010.

Australia Day Sports Awards Winners

February 1, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

Sportsperson of the Year: Talesha Quinn (rugby league). Talesha represented Australia at the Women’s World Cup.

Junior Sportsperson of the Year: Ryan Dunford (cricket, athletics and hockey). Member of the PSSA winning hockey
team, captain for Western Region and played for NSW. Represented Western in athletics and went to State. Member
of school cricket side western region winners. Named Western Region’s player at the State carnival. Parkes Public
School sports person of the year.

Sporting Team of the Year: Parkes Public School Boys Hockey Team. The team finished first in the state primary
school knock out competition with over 90 teams participating.

Senior Sportsperson or Team: Troy Dickson (water skiing). He broke records in New Zealand’s Bridge to Bridge, and
is currently the world record holder for that distance. Placed second in the Australian National Championships with a broken foot; third in the Australian National Championships; first in the ACT/NSW Country Masters speed ramp;
third at the Catalina Classic Long Beach California 3rd Skier Masters, and is the NSW State Champion in the Masters
Marathon division.

Coach, Trainer or Manager of the Year: Glen Johnstone. Some of his achievements include coach of Parkes
O35 Women’s Hockey Masters Team – Division 1 Half State Champions; Assistant Coach Hockey NSW Centre of
Development program; Recently gained Level 2 National Coaching Accreditation

Referee, Umpire or Official of the Year: Carlton Magill. Carlton officiated locally, in Premier League and at State
and National level for school sports and at the national schools championships in South Australia.

Long Service and Dedication in Sport: Greg Duffy (OAM). In recognition of Greg’s more than 30 years on the
Parkes Sports Council and his contribution to cricket.

Administrator of the Year: Derick Hoe (Rugby League). Group X1 president; Western Rams and NSW Country Selector

Ron Harrison Sports Bursary: Maddison Spence (cricket)

What’s On @ The Library?

February 1, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

MR CHICKEN RETURNS TO PARKES LIBRARY
Leigh Hobbs: Characters from the Drawing Board – 5 February to 2 March
An exhibition of works created by legendary Australian author and illustrator Leigh Hobbs will be on exhibit at Parkes Library during February. Leigh Hobbs: Characters from the Drawing Board takes a close look at some of Leigh’s characters, in particular, Old Tom, Horrible Harriet and Mr Chicken. The exhibit shares information about Leigh, his art and the development of his characters.

STORYTIME
Stories, music, craft on Wednesdays from 10.30 – 11.30am.
Help your child to develop and explore early literacy skills in a creative, fun environment. For children 3-5 years and parents/carers (younger children welcome).

RHYME TIME
Read, Talk, Sing, Rhyme on Thursdays 10.30 – 11.15am. Spend special time with your child reading, rhyming, singing and dancing together. For children 0-3 years and parents/ carers (older children welcome).

LITTLE BANG DISCOVERY CLUB
An introduction to science for little people from 13 February to 6 March, 10.30 – 11.30am
This fantastic four-week STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) program will develop ideas and skills that inspire further scientific exploration, discovery and learning. Each child and their parent/carer work together on hands-on activities, question and answer time. A Discovery Box and book is loaned to each child for the duration
of the sessions. Engage with your child in the learning process whilst having loads of fun. Only eight places available for children and their parent/carer per session and attendance is required for all four sessions. Bookings required in person before the first session starts.

Mayoral Notes…

January 24, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

Residents are encouraged to join the Australia Day celebrations across the shire. I am delighted to welcome Australian art educator and exhibition curator, Ann Snell as the Parkes Shire Australia Day Ambassador. The day is an opportunity to recognise the tremendous achievements and contributions of eminent members of our community
– congratulations to the nominated residents.

Residents and visitors are also invited to join the celebrations when the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Queen’s Baton Relay (QBR) comes to Parkes on Monday, 29th January. The Relay will start at 4.30pm at Memorial Hill, making its way through the CBD, to finish at the Parkes Aquatic Centre with community celebrations from 5:30pm. Parkes Aquatic Centre will host a family friendly pool party, with free entry from 4pm until 7pm, outdoor games, and entertainment.

Council will revitalise the entrance to the Parkes Cemetery, after an arborist’s report determined that the existing 11 eucalyptus trees lining the main entrance avenue are in decline following a severe storm in 2016. Council will remove the old trees and replace with a smaller deciduous species, rehabilitate the site, install irrigation, construct kerb and guttering along the internal road, as well as a new footpath. The full report is available for download via Council’s website.

I encourage residents to have their say.

Yours Faithfully,
Cr Ken Keith OAM, Mayor of Parkes Shire

Come Cheer For Our Local Heroes

January 24, 2018 By Maggi Barnard

Six weeks of school holidays will end on runner’s high on Monday afternoon when the Queen’s Baton Relay (QBR) arrives in Parkes on Day 35 of its 100-day journey around Australia leading up to the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

On Monday, 29th January the baton will leave West Wyalong, travel to Forbes and then onto Parkes for one of only eight overnight stops in NSW. In Parkes 19 selected batonbearers will carry the baton around the CBD with the relay starting at 4.30pm at Memorial Hill. Olympian athlete Scott Westcott will start the relay and run down Memorial Hill to meet Rebeckah Auld at the bottom in Bushman Street. She will carry on and turn right into Albert Street and hand over to Amanda Draper. Amanda will turn left into Victoria Street where Barry Garment will be waiting on her.

Barry will turn right into High Street to meet up with Peter Bristol. Peter will carry the baton down High Street to Helen Magill waiting near the corner of Wentworth Street. Helen will carry the baton into Bushman Hill Reserve to Nicayden Greenwood. He will run back to Wentworth Street where his grandfather Michael Greenwood will be waiting on him. Michael will turn left into Currajong Street and meet Barbara Weaver about 300m further down the road. Barbara will stay in Currajong until she gets to Maureen Massey. Maureen will turn right into Victoria street and take the baton to Richard Rice at the roundabout in Clarinda Street. Richard will go down Clarinda to meet Frances Dixon near the second roundabout, and she will carry on to hand over to Cato Rutherford in Clarinda Street.

Staying in Clarinda Street, Cato will hand over to Lauren Neilsen, and Lauren will meet up with Timothy Keith in Clarinda Street near Cooke Park. Tim will turn right into Short Street and hand the baton over to his brother, Parkes Mayor Ken Keith. The Mayor will turn right into Welcome Street and meet up with Danielle Hoskins. Danielle will go left into Cecile Street to get to Victoria Simpson.

Victoria will complete the second last leg of the relay by turning right into Bogan Street where Darrin Gibson will be waiting to take the baton on its final leg down Dalton Street and into the Parkes Aquatic Centre at 5:28pm.

Residents are encouraged to cheer on the local legends at several good vantage points along the route. The Parkes Community Celebration will start at the pool at 5:30pm with a family friendly pool party, free entry from 4pm until 7pm, outdoor games, and entertainment.

The Queen’s Baton will arrive on the Gold Coast for the XXI Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony on 4th April. See a detailed map of the route at https://www.gc2018.com/qbr#gc2018-qbr-parentmap

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